Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for aging adults. Swimming boosts a slow, sluggish metabolism, facilitates good digestion, and gets the blood flowing. It engages and challenges every muscle in the body, improves coordination, and builds respiratory endurance. It also offers an entirely non-impact workout that's perfect for those with sore muscles and joints, or brittle, easily injured bones. However, if your loved one has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or has already been battling this disease for some time, swimming provides an important and surprising range of additional benefits impacting memory, cognition, and social engagement among other things. At Senior Helpers of Richmond, we want to share four benefits of swimming.
1. Cold Water Swimming May Slow the Progression of Dementia
Researchers at Cambridge University recently discovered a link between cold water swimming and a reduced risk of dementia. They noted that swimming in cold water caused a process known as recreational hypothermia in which "cold shock" neuro-protective proteins are produced and released. While these same proteins are naturally found in the brains of healthy individuals, they are noticeably absent in AD patients and in people with other forms of dementia or other progressive, neurological diseases. Although studies on the benefits of cold water therapy for Alzheimer's patients are still in their formative stages, the current results seem very promising. While there are no guarantees that a few trips to the pool will extend your loved one's healthy years or allow for longer moments of lucidity, it's definitely worth keeping in mind when deciding whether or not to visit the pool.
However, one thing is certain, and that's that music does have the reliable ability to trigger moments of lucidity. Hearing a favorite song or swaying to a catchy tune has remarkable behavioral and mental health benefits for AD patients. Thus, if the aging adult in your life isn't a strong swimmer and has no desire to become one, you can always sign them up for water ballet or a water aerobics class.
2. Swimming Can Be an Enjoyable Part of Senior's Established Routine
Taking your loved one swimming in New Baltimore, Port Huron, or Marysville, MI is a great way to establish a regular, reliable routine that fosters a sense of stability and helps aging adults feel good about themselves. Group swimming classes are an excellent opportunity for aging adults to socialize. Establishing social connections with fellow swimmers can boost memory. When paired with the stimulating benefits of physical exercise, seniors with dementia can recognize noticeable improvements in their overall cognition.
3. Seniors With Dementia Can Enjoy Deep and Restful Sleep
Swimming has long been valued for its ability to promote deep and restful sleep. If your loved one struggles with insomnia or other sleep troubles, swimming could be the key to relief. As a high-cardio, non-impact activity, it won't cause any joint stress or severe muscle pain, even as it tires the body out. One of the benefits of swimming is also alleviating stress and anxiety which are both frequently responsible for keeping dementia patients up at night.
4. Stimulate a Sluggish Appetite
People with Alzheimer's can sometimes lose interest in food. With swimming, the combination of low body temperature and calorie burning stimulates a hearty appetite. After swimming classes in Sterling Heights, you won't have to coax your loved one to clean their plate. Swimmers generally eat well, sleep well, and have fewer digestive problems overall.
If you need help finding ways to keep the senior with dementia in your life stimulated, active, and happy, Senior Helpers of Richmond can provide it. We offer specialized Alzheimer's and dementia care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.